St.Lalibela town
Located in northern Ethiopia in the Amhara region, St. Lalibela town was originally known as Roha during the reign of St. Gebre Mesqel Lalibela, and was later named after him.
History
St. Gebre Mesqel was a member of the Zagwe Dynasty, who ruled Ethiopia for 40 years in the late 12th century. He earned the name "Lalibela" because a swarm of bees surrounded him at birth; his mother interpreted this as a sign of his future reign over Ethiopia. The name "Lalibela" translates to "the bees recognize his sovereignty" in Agaw, a Cushitic language spoken in Ethiopia. Lalibela served as the capital of Ethiopia until the 13th century, after which the capital moved to Addis Ababa.
St. Lalibela churches are situated approximately 701 kilometers north of Addis Ababa in the Amhara Region, at an altitude of 8,200 feet (2,500 meters). At the town center lies a unique complex of 11 churches cut out of the living rock some 900 years ago. Their construction is attributed to the King, Priest, and Saint Lalibela (approximately 1181-1221) of the Zagwe dynasty, who endeavored to create a New Jerusalem on African soil accessible to all Ethiopians.
It is briefed in the king's leadership that Gebre Mesqel/St. Lalibela built a New Jerusalem as the capital in response to Muslims capturing old Jerusalem in 1187. Because of this, many places in Lalibela have names of Biblical origin and symbolism – examples include the river in the town, which is called the River Jordan, Golgotha: Tomb of Christ and Adam, Mount Tabor, and Olive, etc. St. Gebremesqel is also well-known as the king who built Lalibela's monolithic churches, the main attraction of Lalibela.
1. Born In Lasta district, 1101
Saint Lalibela was born on December 29, 1101 AD. It is in a place called Debre Roha in Bugna district of Lasta Auraja.
2. Origin of name, 1101
The name “Lalibela“was given to him because he was surrounded by a swarm of bees at birth; his mother took this a sign of his future reign of Ethiopia. The name “Lalibela“means “the bees recognize his sovereignty“
3. Baptization, early education 1101
Lalibela Christianity is said to have originated in the Mai Maryam Church near Debre Roha. Many agree that the name of Christianity is called 'Assere Christ'. Saint Lalibela spent his childhood and youth learning spiritual lessons.
4. Marriage, 1101
Later, from the cross He established his marriage with Kibra. His wife also received the title of sainthood. Her name was called 'kidisit mesikel kibira'
5. Bears a succussor, 1101
From this marriage, he had a son named Yitbarek. His son, King Yitbarek, is the last king of the Lasta dynasty
6. Traveled to Egypt /Jersualem for study, 1101
Then he went to Egypt and Jerusalem and visited many holy places and returned.
7. Crowning, 1157 AD
King Gebremariam left the kingdom willingly and handed over the power to his younger brother Lalibela. In 1157 AD. He accepted and reigned.
8. Started carving the churches, 1167 AD
In the 10th year of King Lalibela's reign, in 1167 AD. He started building the churches in Debre Roha.
9. Took 23-30 years to finish churchs 1197 AD
He completed the construction of the churches within 30 years.
10. Died at 96 , buried at Biete Goliatha 1197 AD
Finally, when King Lalibela who reigned for over 40years ,Died at the age of 96 years and five months; On June 12, 1197 AD. He rested in peace.
11. Recieves saint hood 1197 AD
From this marriage, he had a son named Yitbarek. His son, King Yitbarek, is the last king of the Lasta dynasty.
11. Lalibela churchs, Unesco sites 1197 AD
Then he went to Egypt and Jerusalem and visited many holy places and returned.
